"Rules Have Changed": Gautam Gambhir On Virat Kohli's Comparison With Sachin Tendulkar
NDTV
After Virat Kohli scored his 45th ODI ton, matching Sachin Tendulkar's 'all-time record', Gautam Gambhir spoke against comparison between the two batters.
Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir was present in the broadcaster's studio as Virat Kohli notched up his 45th ODI ton in the first one-day match against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on Tuesday. Kohli's super show with the bat saw him earn plenty of plaudits on social media. In the process, Kohli also went on to match the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's record of scoring the most 'home hundreds' in ODIs. As comparisons between Kohli and Tendulkar erupted among fans and experts, Gambhir played it down, suggesting the 'rules have changed' from the time when Sachin used to play.
Gambhir remained firm while saying no to the idea of comparison between players in different eras. The former India opening batter cited fielding restrictions and the availability of a second new ball as some of the 'rule changes' that have worked in the favour of batters in the current era.
"It's not about the record honestly. Virat Kohli will go on to get many more centuries than Sachin Tendulkar in the 50-over format. See, the rules have changed, " Gambhir said on Star Sports.
"You should not compare eras. It's not fair to compare eras as well where there was one new ball as compared to now when there are 2 new balls with five fielders inside. But yes, he has been a master in this format and he has shown it over such a long period of time," he added.
Sanjay Manjrekar, who was also on the Star Sports panel for the match, said that he has no doubt that Kohli will go on to overtake Tendulkar in the list of most ODI hundreds.
